The Delta independent., 1887-05-03
dream oi hof, but never again to trou-
bic hbr with his presence.

I
Hc sat down and wrote her letter.
telling her this simply, directly, and
with tho groat love ho boro her breath.
ing through every word.
Tho servant told him she would not
bc in for somo time. and hc took the
note up to hcr room himself
1t was n dainty place. bright rs un.
limited wealth and exquisite taste
could mako IL.
He left tho note on hcr toilet table,
lingering moment to touch caressing
ly tho costly articles that woro scat.
tered about tho room. nll breathing of
her presence.
When ho returned In tho parlor tho
early dusk was falling. A servant camo
bringing lights, but ho dismissed him
impatiently. and few moments later
heard tho sound OF wheels and the
tho sweet voice Of his wife in tho hall
giving directions.
At last the silence became unbear-
able. and ho seated himself at tho
piano. In his old batchclor days mu-
sic had boon his passion, but in these
later years of fovcrish struggle ho had
found no timc for It, But when his
fingers touched tho keys all tho dis.
pair, the pain and longing in his heart
found voice in tho rich chords that
| filed tho room.
He played on, and gradually tho
h,,r 1.
the comfort sho ever gives to those
who truoly love her. 1t was no long.
wall of dispair. but pman of thanks
giving for victory gained.
So absorbed was he that ho did not
hoar soft foolstcp cnter tho room.
A hand was laid on his shoulder. and u
trcmulous voice said:
'Donald ("
HIS hand came down with sudden
discord on tho keys. 1t was tho first
timc that Jessie had ever called him
by that name.
He turned and saw her standing there
in her drcssing-gown of soft cashmere.
Tho ireligh was sending long rays
down tho stately gloom of the libra.
r.. and shc looked very beautiful
against tho rosy background.
'iou read my letter. Jessie P"
Yes; and am sorry for your sake.
your wealth."
"Do not think Of me, Jessie. 1t is not
for myself care. am not afraid of
poverty. But oh my child. If could
save yon from its sting! II it were at
the sacrifice of my life. heaven is my
witness would not STARE it."
She came close to him, and laid her
hands in his.
Donald, there is n better thing you
can give me than wealth can buy. Give
mo lack tho love l so madly threw
away. Lot mo work with and help
you, and will bless tho day that made
us poor"
jessie" hc said. ''nre you surc of
thise Do not try to deceive me. Do
not say II II it is not true. could go
away now and learn TO bear it. but to
open my heart to this new hopc would
kill me!'
Donald, do you think am made of
stonc--tlat l could know all your
kindness and patience all these years.
and not lean to love you' Oh, so often
/ have longod to kncel at your feet and
ask your forgiveness. but l believed
that had forfeited your deep love by
my folly"
"And YOU will not regret the loss of
wealth and luxuryP" he said iucrcdu-
ously. and can be happy with only my
love?"
fon forget that papa and l were
poor before l married you. Donald. and
Twas happier then than l have ever
been since learned TO hate tho things
that cost me so much. and to envy the
poorest woman. happy in her husbands
love"
He turned the sweet tear-wet face to
the freight and bent down aud looked
into her eyes. And then he took her
in his arms.
My darliny-oh, darling." he said
softly.
And deep in their carts there was a
gladness tha; all the treasures of the
world could not buy.